Latest Area News Headlines

ROUND LAKE – The Round Lake City Council voted Tuesday evening to abate 50 percent of the property taxes on the former Farley & Sather’s building for three years, which approximates $6,500 per year. The building is currently owned by the Ferrara Candy Company. AGCO is interested in leasing the building for three years, with an option to purchase.

The first of three tax abatement discussions took place Tuesday evening at the Round Lake City Council. At the heart of the matter is whether the city, Nobles County and the Round Lake-Brewster School District will agree to a three...

WINDOM – Authorities in four cities are keeping an eye out for a suspect who reportedly entered medical facilities for nefarious purposes. According to area law enforcement, there were four reported incidents of an individual entering offices and in some cases, stealing employee wallets. The suspect is a black male in his late 20s.

The suspect was seen going into offices at the Windom Hospital, and when confronted by staff, said he was looking for the X-ray department. He left after stating he needed to look for some papers. It is believed he stole money from a purse.

from the Fairmont Sentinel:
FAIRMONT - Employees at US Foods in Fairmont were informed recently that the local plant will soon be shutting its doors.

The US Foods' plant in Fairmont - not to be confused with Fairmont Foods - is located at 1500 E. Winnebago Ave. Employees who will remain anonymous have indicated the plant is closing its doors Jan. 31.

Company spokesperson Lisa Lecas issued the following written statement following requests for comment from the Fairmont Sentinel:

"As part of ongoing effort to maximize operating efficiencies and better serve...

WORTHINGTON – The Worthington City Council on Monday approved on sale beer, wine and liquor licenses for a new restaurant to be located at Northland Mall in the site of the old Godfather’s Pizza. The restaurant, the Venetian Steakhouse, is scheduled to open mid-December.

The council also approved the 2014 sewer service charges, which were recommended by the Water and Light Commission. The usage charge will decrease by $.79 for non-industrial users.

There was a public hearing regarding the grant received to rehabilitate Nobles Square. The city received a $350,000 grant from...

WORTHINGTON — The Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce Community Improvement Committee and Worthington Public Utilities are once again sponsoring the local Holiday Lighting Contest. All Worthington residences and businesses with decorations are eligible. Judging will take place the second week in December. Criteria will include best use of color; most original, best composition, most spectacular and best expression of Christmas.

Prizes in the residential category are: first place, $100 credit on December utility bill and $100 in Chamber Checks; second place, $75 credit on utility...

JACKSON - The Jackson City Council Tuesday approved first reading of Ordinance 74, which prohibits the use and sale of coal tar sealant products. There is a new state law that prohibits the use or sale of coal tar sealant products throughout Minnesota as of January 1st, 2014. According to the League of Minnesota Cities, coal tar has been used widely in sealant products on driveways and parking lot surfaces for many years.

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, while coal tar has been an effective sealant for asphalt-based surfaces, coal tar sealant products contain...

WORTHINGTON – The Minnesota West Community and Technical College President Dr. Richard Shrubb last week filed an appeal with the Minnesota College Athletic Conference, asking that all MN West athletic teams not be penalized for the actions of just a few. Because of an incident that occurred Oct. 26 during and after a state quarterfinal football game in Brainerd, the MCAC had put all MN West teams on probation. Shrubb is instead asking that the football program face suspension during a period of review, leaving the other teams untouched.

WORTHINGTON – Visitors were welcomed into Minnesota West’s Center for Career Education Thursday for an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony. The Center, located in the former Worthington Fire Hall, now houses an auto mechanics class for Worthington High School students and Minnesota West’s Customized Training.

According to District 518 Superintendent John Landgaard, this is the first time students have had an auto mechanics class in more...

MOUNTAIN LAKE – A Butterfield woman suffered non-life threatening injuries Wednesday afternoon while traveling on Highway 60 when a Mountain Lake man driving a Chevy Impala pulled out in front of her from Cottonwood County Road 1. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, Jacqueline Harrington, age 45, was transported to the Windom Hospital. Her 2005 Pontiac G6 was totaled. Joe Lugo, age 36, was uninjured. His Impala was also totaled.

WORTHINGTON — The Worthington-Crailsheim International Committee is looking for more people to get involved in its student exchange program. A meeting...

WORTHINGTON – New weight restrictions have been posted on a bridge that spans Jack Creek just south of Brewster on County State Aid Highway 1. Nobles County Public Works Director Steve Schnieder informed commissioners Tuesday that the annual bridge safety inspection has been completed and a report sent to the state.

Twenty-seven of the bridges in Nobles County are posted as restricted, Schnieder said – approximately seven percent of the 360 bridges in the county.

The east side of the county has the most restricted bridges, which is making it difficult for large trucks to get...